John Varney ’23 of Washington, D.C., has died of complications from osteosarcoma. A Gathering of Friends in memory of Varney is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, at 7 p.m. in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion.
John Varney, a member of the Class of 2023, has died following complications associated with the aggressive bone cancer osteosarcoma, his family announced on March 7.
Originally from Washington, D.C., Varney arrived at Elon in August as a first-year student shortly after receiving news from doctors that his tumor had shrunk, allowing him to begin his college journey. The cancer recently returned after Varney had made considerable progress during his treatment.
Following his diagnosis in 2017, Varney started treatments, but also began the inspiring work of helping others diagnosed with the disease. Varney and Olivia Egge, a student at the University of Virginia also battling osteosarcoma, worked with the Osteosarcoma Collaborative to raise $1.5 million for osteosarcoma treatment and research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation’s “Brave the Shave” campaign.
“There haven’t been a lot of advancements in the treatment of osteosarcoma over the past four years,” Varney told Today at Elon in September 2019 for an article highlighting his journey. “So, we feel like it’s our responsibility – because we’ve been able to get such good treatment – to make it more accessible to others.”
Varney planned to major in finance at Elon and to one day start a career in the banking industry.
Varney recalled an exciting moment near the beginning of the academic year in which his family and the Make-A-Wish Foundation surprised him with the opportunity to meet New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, calling the six-time Super Bowl champion “the most fun guy.” Brady met with Varney and his family at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, and signed autographs and even played catch with Varney during the visit.
While discussing his inspiring journey to Elon, Varney said, “Everything happens for a reason, and that makes you who you’re meant to become. Everyone goes through different adversity – some people go through really hard stuff – but when you get through it, you come out stronger. So, just know the adversity is always worth it.”
Several hundred members of the Elon community gathered Sunday night in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion to share their feelings and reflect on fond memories and special moments with John.